Circus tiger death But act will go on, says boss
BRITAIN’S last lion tamer says he will keep performing – despite the death of one tiger and the loss of another.
Anthony Beckwith, co- owner of An Evening with Lions and Tigers, will apply for a licence to perform with his act’s three remaining big cats this year.
Nadia, 20 – who had not performed for some time in the show run by Thomas Chipperfield – died of heart failure.
A second big cat, Syas, has been given to a sanctuary as his “personality did not fit with performing”. In January, the Sunday People revealed that Anthony and Thomas had been keeping two lions and three tigers in cages on the back of a lorry in a field just off the M6.
Although they have permission from the local council, it demands that the men guarantee the three remaining animals exercise for at least six hours a day.
They will need a Government licence to tour with the act. Animal rights groups are calling on them to reconsider taking their show back on tour. PETA director Elisa Allen said: “Putting tigers into barren boxes and carting them around the country is shameful.” Animal Defenders International president Jan Creamer said: “Circuses are no fun for animals. A cage on wheels is no life for a lion or tiger.” Mr Beckwith hit back saying the cats were well looked after. He added that he planned a campaign in Nadia’s name to raise awareness of the perils facing Sumatran tigers by “doing talks in our show”. Parliament is about to debate a ban on wild animals in circuses.